First half analysis: Manchester United vs Bayer Leverkusen

After the loudest cheer being for Fellaini upon the team sheet announcement, he won a few early balls early on and looked confident and comfortable, the fans were rallied by his part in helping United with possession further up the pitch.

The first chance came when Carrick played a through ball to Kagawa who was waiting on the edge of the Leverkusen box, laying the ball off for Rooney to hit yet Rooney took a touch before hitting and allowed the defenders to block. Evra seemed slightly sluggish, allowing for a few Leverkusen breaks.

Kagawa and Rooney combined well, with Kagawa's pass composure and Rooney's dogged fight - van Persie would be excited to know he will be provided well this season. Smalling had a chance off a van Persie free kick on the 20th minute which he guided just over the bar. The encouraging play was reflected in the better-than-lately atmosphere.

Rooney scored an in-box half volley on the 21st minute from an Evra cross. The ball bounced down than back up, above the goalkeeper's reach. Straight from the kick off, United reclaimed the ball and a Rooney pass nearly connected to the chest of the waiting Van Persie.

Kagawa found van Persie two more times in the half; the first ended up in van Persie passing across instead of shooting and the second ending in a foul upon van Persie.

Kagawa brought a cross down well at the end of the first half and his shot went just past the post due to a block. There were two chances where Rooney was in space yet wasn't passed to, in favour of shots being taken instead.

The rest of the half was comfortable for United, passing well on the ball and rotating from all players. United were pressing high, hassling and passing well. Their odds on doing well in the Champions League this year after this half's performance are looking much brighter.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

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